Russell Brand accuser feared pregnancy after 1999 Labour conference alleged rape

A woman told Southwark Crown Court that she feared she might be pregnant after alleging Russell Brand raped her at a Labour Party conference in 1999. The alleged victim described feeling 'dirty' and 'frightened' in the aftermath of the incident and told police she initially blamed herself.

Allegations at Southwark Crown Court

The woman recounted to police, in a video recording played in court, that she met Brand at a cabaret show during the 1999 conference in Bournemouth. She stated that Brand later came to her hotel room, where she claims he forced himself on her. She told the court she was 'taken aback' and 'shocked' when Brand removed his shirt and began 'prancing around'. She described the alleged attack as 'quick' and that she 'drifted out of my head' during it.

She also told police she kept quiet about the alleged incident for years, observing Brand's increasing fame. She stated that a 2023 documentary about allegations of sexual misconduct against Brand prompted her to come forward. The court heard that Brand's defence is expected to argue that any sexual encounters were consensual and that his accusers have 'reimagined' their experiences.

Brand's Defence

Russell Brand denies all charges against him, which include three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, and one count of indecent assault. His wife, Laura Gallacher, has attended some court proceedings in support of him.

The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Bennathan, continues at Southwark Crown Court. Jurors were informed they would not be shown the 2023 Dispatches documentary that reportedly triggered the complainant's decision to report the alleged assault.